Communication and Collaboration

Research Background:Law is taught by increasing numbers of sessional staff, many inadequately versed in research-based teaching. This collaborative work of law academics from across Australia applies empirical and theoretical research into teaching practice. An ethics-approved national environment scan was undertaken via survey and focus groups to determine development needs. An extensive literature review and peer-reviewed position papers on the 9 topics covered by the modules, and 5 underlying themes followed, and informed the draft modules which were revised after trial by almost 40 sessional law teachers from across Australia. The final modules underwent formal evaluation by Professor Richard Johnstone. Using a reflective practitioner lens, the modules are grounded in legal education scholarship distilled and represented in a way not done previously.Research Contribution:There is a growing emphasis on communication and collaboration as critical legal skills for all law graduates nationally and internationally. Law students need to develop their ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively, selecting from different genres, modes and voices; engage with different legal and non-legal audiences; and collaborate skilfully. In a comprehensive research-based and original 6000 word meta-review, the module addresses and provides solutions to the barriers to developing communication and collaboration skills in an increasingly diverse legal education landscape and provides guidance and strategies for developing students’ skills in communication and collaboration. Research Significance:The modules were funded by a national Cat 1 OLT grant and are the first research-based online teaching development resources for Australian law academics. They are endorsed by the Council of Australian Law Deans. A world expert (Maharg) has said they are, “a model of … what professional development for legal educators should look like, in any jurisdiction.